After 3 hours the decrease was significant. A Forbes Magazine study compared the amount of hours of spent on homework against test scores in four countries and found a correlation with decreased test scores and increased homework exceeding 2 hours.Those on the side of reducing or eliminating homework, have some compelling findings and arguments to back them up: They are speaking up in PTA meetings, forming task forces and generating a dialog to address what they see as an outdated and ineffective mode of teaching our children. In the wake of RACE TO NOWHERE and The End of Homework-two vehicles that question the status quo of homework as a main learning tool-parents and educators disillusioned with the burden homework has placed on their children and family life, are beginning call for change.

What are the implications, then, when it comes to how we approach and evolve the learning systems of our children? Some parents are beginning to sound the alarm of a school system that ratchets up the stress of homework and testing. South Korean teenagers are also reported to be the unhappiest in the world.

It is interesting to note that South Korea is right up there with Finland in terms of ranking yet the country is notorious for piling on homework and subjecting teens to late night study sessions.

Our public school children attend full days, undergo standardized testing, and are given homework beginning in kindergarten and increasing sharply with age. The US, on the other hand, is ranked 25th in math, 17th in science and 14th in reading, according to a report by Harvard University's Programs on Education Policy and Governance. Finnish children enjoy short school days, extended recess, no standardized tests and virtually no homework until they are into their teens. A revolt is brewing in public schools across the nation-a revolt against homework overload and its detrimental effects on family life and children’s personal development, mental health and, in some cases, academic performance.įinland has ranked at the top of the Program for International Student Assessment since the testing began in 2000.

No more homework